August 21, 2009

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM HIS FRIENDS

Huntersville, N.C. – Eli Hager, 11, from Alexis, finishes the last portion of the half-mile run during last months Kids Triathlon held at the Huntersville Family Fitness and Aquatics center and organized by Birkdale Animal Hospital.

Hager, a double amputee, finished near the back of the pack of competitors, but earlier finishers came back to cheer him on during the final portion of his run.

The July 25 event was the final event in the four-part triathlon. Earlier events were held in April, May and June.

The events included running, biking and swimming at varying lengths.

“My husband and I are both into the sport,” said organizer and Birkdale Animal Hospital owner Sarah McGeough. “We thought it would boost the kids’ self confidence to be able to complete something like this.”

The event is expected to return next year. Proceeds raised during the Kids Triathlon will benefit Barium Springs Home for Children.

For more information on the race and to see the results, go online to www.kidstri.com.

To see more photos of the events, go online to www.georginaemily.com. - Lake Norman Herald Weekly

About Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics (HFFA):
Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics is about family, fitness and fun. Dedicated HFFA staffers produce an exciting variety of programs and partnerships that connect the community and enable members to experience and achieve the most in health, wellness, and total fitness. Built in 2001, the 88,000-square-foot HFFA facility features state-of-the-art aquatic and fitness components, including a 50-meter pool, a 25-yard warm water pool, an outdoor family fun pool, full-court gymnasium, complete fitness center, and group exercise studio.  As the only public facility in the Southeast with an Olympic-sized, 50-meter competition pool and 10-meter dive tower, HFFA regularly hosts aquatics events with up to 2,000 spectators for regional, national, and international swim and dive competitions. For more information, please call (704) 766-2222 or visit www.hffa.com.

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